WITH fuel prices continuing to rise and tighter emission targets being set by the Government, controlling motoring running costs can be a challenge.

But it is one BMW can help with.

Transport professionals are being invited to find out how at GreenFleet Scotland today while the public can go along to the Evolution event tomorrow – both at the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, Edinburgh – to see how innovative thinking and new technologies at BMW can make a big difference.

SEE THE NEW BMW i8

Design and performance of the BMW i8 are out of this world

One of the highlights of the free-to-enter shows, which include all-day refreshments, will be the showcasing of the extraordinary new BMW i8.

This stunning model turns the vision of a modern, sustainable and efficient sports car into reality.

The strength of this plug-in hybrid lies in the perfect synchronisation of its electric motor and the combustion engine. The unique BMW eDrive technology delivers a vehicle with the performance of an M3 with fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Sounds too good to be true?

We’re talking CO2 emissions of just 49g/km and a staggering 134mpg alongside an electrifying 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds.

BECOME ELECTRIC WITH BMW

Rugby star Scott Hastings' cars - BMW i3 and i8 electric cars

Both the BMW i8 and the recently launched BMW i3 are built from the ground up – unlike most electric vehicles, which are based on conventional car architecture with added batteries.

The new BMWs are constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, which is more resilient than steel but 50 per cent lighter. It’s the first time this material has been used in series production and represents a landmark in the automotive industry’s history.

TEST DRIVES AVAILABLE

As well as being able to catch a first glimpse of the revolutionary BMW i8 at the event, visitors will also get the chance to test drive the following models, subject to availability:

BMW i3

BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch

BMW 3 Series Saloon

BMW 4 Series Coupé

BMW 5 Series Saloon

BMW X1

All new Mini Hatch

Mini Countryman

Go and visit the BMW stand at GreenFleet Scotland and they’ll be delighted to arrange a test drive in the model of your choice.

BMW EFFICIENT DYNAMICS

A test drive is a great way to experience the benefits of BMW EfficientDynamics, if you haven’t done so already.

This is the name BMW have given to a collection of technologies that enhance performance and increase efficiency at the same time.

These include BMW ECO PRO, for example, which allows drivers to gain up to 20 per cent extra range per tank of fuel. Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, performance and efficiency are no longer mutually exclusive.

So, the fact that BMW are committed to halving their average emission levels across the model range by 2020 does not mean they will be compromising on driving pleasure.

The figures certainly support this bold claim.

If you want a car focussed on low emissions, try the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics, which emits only 99g/km CO2 while achieving 74.3mpg (combined), yet still takes only 10.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph.

On the other hand, if you want a 0-62mph time of just 5.6 seconds, the BMW 330d still delivers an impressive combined mpg of 57.6 and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

MINIMALISM

MINI Cooper S

When it comes to new levels of efficiency for business customers, Mini is not one to be left in the dark.

Winning BusinessCar’s Supermini of the Year award for 12 consecutive years, the recently expanded Mini range has continued to lead the way in terms of innovation.

Mini’s acclaimed MinimAlism technologies are fitted as standard and include Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, Shift Point Display and Electromechanical Power Steering.

The result? The all new Mini Hatch, for example, delivers CO2 emissions from only 89g/km, with an impressive combined mpg of up to 80.7mpg, while still offering the go-kart handling you’d expect from a Mini.